A Brief Story of the Life of our Dad: William Poole Gistand, Jr.

William Poole Gistand, Jr., beloved father, departed this life on June 13, 2020 in New Orleans, LA.  He was 89. William was born to the union of William Poole Gistand, Sr. and Mary Lou Smart Gistand nee Smart, on July 20, 1930 in Winnfield, Louisiana.  He was the oldest of three children. His two younger sisters Virginia (aka Ginger) and Susanna both died in childhood. As a child, he was the favorite nephew of his doting aunt--Eula Mae Smart who affectionately gave him the nickname "Pernell".

He began his scholastic career at Winn Parish Training School (later known as Pinecrest High School). He received a BA in Education from historic Leland College in Baker, Louisiana.

During the Korean War, from 1951-1954, he served in the army where he received the Occupation Medal (in Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal.

On February 4, 1966, he married the former Miss Elizabeth Mangum and to this union were born three children: Constance Michelle, Brian Warrick (Susan) and Rhonda Rochelle. His years as an educator took him first to Pinecrest High School where he taught history and civics then to Calvin High School teaching those beloved subjects until his retirement in 1986.

During the span of his lifetime, William witnessed great change in the country he loved so much. Born during the Great Depression in the segregated South, he witnessed the evolution of the south following the Civil Rights Era. Having seen and experienced the indignities of the segregated south, in 2008, he was proud to cast his vote for the first Black President of the United States – The Honorable Barack Obama.

In 2000, he relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana where he lived out his days. During his final years, he frequently indulged his sweet tooth, a fact well known to friends and family alike. An avid storyteller, William frequently regaled friends with tales of various events in American and World History as well as stories of his childhood and other life experiences. He was also a politics aficionado keeping current on local, state and national politics through a steady diet of political news shows on television and radio.

The family of William Gistand is grateful for having had the opportunity to witness his hearty laugh and sense of humor.  We take comfort in knowing that he is resting in the bosom of Jesus and are eternally thankful to God for blessing him with a long life.

William was preceded in death by his parents William Sr. and Mary Lou (M.L.), sisters Virginia and Susanna, daughter Rhonda and granddaughter Raven Makayla. He leaves to mourn his memory: daughter Katherine Ball (Kathy Sue), daughter Connie, son Brian, daughter-in-law Susan, sister Cassandra Weatherford, grandchildren: Veronica, Chauncey and Brianna and one great grandchild: Gabrielle along with other family and friends.

Viewing will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, 117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. in Winnfield, LA. Interment immediately following at 1:00 pm, at Winnfield Cemetery, LA Hwy 167.

Daddy we love and miss you very much!

Thanks to all of our friends and family who have been supporting us through this difficult time.

With much love and appreciation,

Connie and Brian

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S10+.